Meet the women behind The Able Label
It's International Women's Day today, and to celebrate we're shining a light on our all-female team that works behind the scenes to bring The Able Label to life. Meet the team below and find out who or what inspires them!
Katie, Founder & Director
What has been your proudest moment throughout your journey with The Able Label?
Having style icons like Joana Lumley and Caryn Franklin MBE endorse our work are really proud achievements.
The thing that makes me most proud though, is reading testimonials from customers, explaining what a positive difference we have made to their lives with our clothes.
We had one customer who was having to actually cut herself out of vests as it was just too difficult for her to dress into her current versions - she is now able to dress independently and no longer needs the scissors to hand!
Another customer was choosing not to go out as she feared that she wouldn’t be able to get her coat back on without asking for help - since discovering The Able Label, she has started going back out again.
Our clothes have helped to change lives - giving back independence and growing confidence, so seeing this is what I am most proud of and makes all the hard work worthwhile.
Can you tell us about a role model who has inspired you over your career?
Sally Bailey - the brand advisor, former CEO of White Stuff and fashion guru has helped many businesses to increase their turnover.
I am fortunate enough to have her as a mentor and can’t thank her enough for the continued support she has given us to not only to grow The Able Label as a business, but me as an individual.
She shares our vision of making positive change and creating a value-driven culture, putting people and customers at the centre of everything.
What advice would you give to other aspiring female entrepreneurs?
Go for it…! If you have a great idea, which solves a real problem and you can prove that your idea will successfully do this for those in need of it - go for it! Just make sure that it's in something that you are truly passionate about though as it is incredibly hard work running a business, so you have to love what you do in order to stay committed to it.
What is your favourite piece from the Able Label and why?
I love the Paloma Wrap. It is a little piece of cosy luxury - perfect for now, whilst it’s still cold and also the summer too on cold evenings. There are no tricky armholes to contend with making it an easy throw-on, throw-off.
Tell us an achievement which you’re proud of from the last year.
The achievement I am most proud of from last year is not only having survived but thrived and grown the business doing so whilst being able to play the most important role of all - Mum.
I am eternally grateful to the supportive team of women that make up The Able Label, enabling these achievements. This is not least of all thanks to my Mum, who works tirelessly for The Able Label and also as Nana!
Val, customer services
Tell us a bit about yourself and your role at The Able Label
I am a retired Primary Headteacher. I have been helping at The Able Label since it’s inception with orders and Customer Services. I am also Mum to Katie!
What has been your proudest moment working with The Able Label?
Receiving letters and emails from Customers who have expressed thanks to TAL for making their lives easier
Which women inspire you the most?
Many of our Customers have disabilities or long term illnesses that can make tasks extremely challenging and yet remain cheerful and live life to the fullest - they are a true inspiration.
Also Entrepreneurial women such as our Founder, Katie, who show foresight and commitment, balancing working hard with raising a family.
What is your favourite piece from The Able Label and why?
Betty Wide Leg Trousers - they are very smart, comfortable and practical and they have pockets.
Tell us an achievement which you’re proud of from the last year
An achievement I'm proud of from the last year is being part of the The Able Label journey and seeing it become so successful. Also I have loved being part of our Granddaughters' lives and watching them develop.
Danielle, marketing
Tell us a bit about yourself and your role at The Able Label
I’m Danielle, I love being creative, travelling and reading multiple books on the go! I manage all of The Able Label’s marketing from the website to social media and email newsletters.
What has been the most rewarding part of working with The Able Label?
As someone who’s grown up partially sighted and not being able to access things which most see as quite normal, it’s been so refreshing to be part of a fashion brand that’s aware of the smaller, everyday struggles some experience and finding a way to make an active difference.
If you could have dinner with three inspirational women, dead or alive, who would they be and why?
Taylor Swift, I’ve been a huge fan since I was a young teen and I feel like I’ve grown up with her and her music!
Jameela Jamil. I loved her in The Good Place and the overall good vibes she puts out in the world. She leads some really important discussions around feminism, inclusivity and mental health and does it fearlessly.
Finally, Amelia Earhart as I just want to know from her how it felt to be the first woman to fly across The Atlantic solo. I’ve always had a fascination with flying and although I can’t do it myself, I love hearing stories from pilots on their adventures and I feel like Amelia would have the best stories!
What is your favourite piece from The Able Label and why?
The Mila Dress! It’s such a cool staple to any wardrobe that’s very wearable whatever your sense of style.
Toni, seamstress
Tell us a bit about yourself and how you work with The Able Label
My name is Toni and I am 60 years old married to Roly for 19 years. I have been sewing for over 50 years. I have been working for The Able Label for 7 years doing alterations .
What has been the most rewarding part of working with The Able Label?
The most rewarding part is seeing The Able Label growing into a successful business.
What is the best bit of advice you’ve received?
Always be happy
If you could have dinner with any inspirational women, who would they be and why?
My mum, my daughter and six granddaughters because I love them!
Tell us an achievement which you’re proud of from the last year.
Riding my bike up hill!
Nicki, customer service officer
Tell us a bit about yourself and how you work with The Able Label
I'm Nicki, Mum, wife, crazy cat lady, Disney fanatic and part time Customer Services Officer at The Able Label. Working part time gives me the perfect work life balance, allowing me time to look after my 8 year old daughter, doing school runs and our favourite things like crafting and baking. At work, I am 1 of 3 customer services officers and we are responsible for processing and dispatching all orders and dealing with all customer queries, whilst also maintaining the stockroom and supporting the Company Director.
What has been the most rewarding part of working with The Able Label?
Helping people in need is by far the most rewarding element. Speaking to them on the phone, when they feel at a low point in their lives. Making them feel better about themselves and giving them back their independance so that they can dress themselves in nice, good quality, comfortable "normal" looking clothes.
If you could have dinner with any inspirational women, who would they be and why?
Michelle Obama. Princess Catherine the current Princess of Wales. Julia Donaldson - author of The Gruffalo, Stickman and many other kids books. 1 and 2 because I think they would have fascinating stories to tell as strong independent powerfull women who have faced challenges throughout their lives. 3 because she's inspired many children to love books and reading which I think encourages and inspires children to find their own creativity.
What is your favourite piece from The Able Label and why?
The Fairisle cardigan because I like the pattern and colours.
Leyla, distribution management
Tell us a bit about yourself and how you work with The Able Label
I’m Leyla and I'm married and have one teenage daughter named Ellie. My role at The Able Label is varied and involves managing the distribution of uk and international orders, customer services and general day to day duties that help keep the office running smoothly.
What has been the most rewarding part of working with The Able Label?
The most rewarding part of job has to be helping those customers that are struggling in some way. Whether it be helping them place an order or knowing the items they are purchasing will help them so much by giving them back their independence and making them feel good about themselves again. Knowing the items we sell can make a real difference to someone’s life is very rewarding. Although we are an online company we are easily reached at the end of the phone which our customers value so much as it is a rarely these days.
What's your favourite TAL product??
My favourite piece from The Able Label are the Jungle Satin PJs (Cerise Animal and Teal Animal)
My top three inspirations women:
J.K Rowling: A single mum from poverty, with sheer determination and self belief. Globally recognised and one of the best selling authors. An advocate for women’s rights.
Simone Biles: Regarded as the most greatest and accomplished gymnasts of all time. Resilient, courageous, talented, trailblazer.
A huge advocate for mental health awareness in sports and a role model for many young girls.
Vera Wang: A young Vera Wang was an aspirating figure skater who failed to make the 1968 olympics team. With her hopes and dreams crushed she had no option but to take a different path. Having worked at Vogue for 17 years becoming their youngest editor, she accumulated years of experience in the fashion world. Vera now had the confidence and ability to know how the fashion industry operates and with the support of her father and her inner drive she was able to open her first bridal boutique at the age of 40 (inspired by a gap in the market). Today with her global empire Vera is recognised as a significant influential figure in the fashion world proving that it’s never too late to succeed.
Kelly Lacey, customer service and stock control
Tell us a bit about yourself and how you work with The Able Label
I’m Kelly and I’m a mum of 3 or 4 if you include my fur baby which is our miniature schnauzer Ruby. I’m a keen horse rider and been riding since I was 3 years old. I’m very new to the Able Label and my role is customer service and stock control. I love helping people and I feel the able lable is an amazing company that helps so many people still look stylish and also comfortable even with though they have every day struggles with their illnesses that prevent them from living a normal life.
If you could have dinner with any inspirational women, who would they be and why?
I’d invite Marie Curie to dinner because she was a brilliant scientist who
discovered important things about radioactivity. I’d like to ask her what inspired her and what it was like to make such important discoveries.
My Grandma as she was an amazing kind lady who I have lots of lovely memories of. Nothing was too much for her and she was always on hand with one of her delicious cakes. She was also inspiration as she got to the right old age of 100 years and 27 days.
Michelle Obama She’s known for her intelligence and advocacy work in areas like education, health, and empowering young people. Having dinner with her would be a chance to have a meaningful conversation, learn from her experiences. I also think she comes across as a really lovely lady who has a great sense of humour.
What's your favourite TAL product?
My favourite piece is the satin jungle pyjamas in teal. They’re pretty and very stylish.